Clinton Picks GOP Choice for FEC Post

President Clinton said Wednesday he will nominate law professor Bradley A. Smith to fill a vacancy on the Federal Election Commission, ending a stalemate with Republican leaders but possibly setting up a contentious Senate confirmation.

Smith has been a harsh critic of campaign funding laws, saying they have failed to rid the system of corrupting influences while infringing on constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. He favors no limits on how much candidates can raise and spend.

Smith, who teaches at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, was recruited for the FEC post by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), a vigorous foe of the campaign finance bills under consideration in Congress.

McConnell said Smith’s legal background and credentials may make him “the most qualified person we’ve ever put on the FEC.”

But Scott Harshbarger, president of the government watchdog organization Common Cause, called Smith’s nomination “a slap in the face to any effort at responsible reform.”

“The people of this country are making it clear they want more, not less, efforts to limit the impact of money in politics,” he said. “Any senator who supports this nomination cannot claim to support campaign finance reform.”

The FEC enforces federal campaign finance law, making sure candidates comply with disclosure requirements and contribution limits.

But Smith’s writings on election law gave his critics considerable fodder with which to oppose him.

Common Cause and other groups campaigned against Smith last summer, and Clinton held off on the nomination.

Clinton also will renominate Commissioner Danny Lee McDonald, who has served on the FEC since 1982.